the essentials in brief
It depends very much on the type of aquarium, the shape, the residents and the size! Find out everything about an aquarium with the most important equipment elements.
Aquariums are not like that pflegeleicht, as one might initially assume. As newbie it is worth buying a high-quality aquarium that already comes with the most important things. You can find out what such sets usually consist of here.
That comes especially to the Trimmings of the aquarium. If you want to grow saltwater fish, you will have to buy one aquarium, the other Requirements for the job fulfilled as a purely decorative aquarium in which no fish will live.
Do you love fish and want to buy an aquarium to create your own underwater world? Then you are exactly right here. In this blog post you will learn everything you need to know about aquariums: from choosing the right tank, to setting it up and caring for it, to the best tips and tricks for your fish. And even if you don't want to get any fish, a nice aquarium makes a lot even without inhabitants!
Why should you buy an aquarium?
Aquariums are much more than just decorative elements. Although admittedly they make really great decorations! But they are also a really special and fulfilling hobby. For many aquarists, setting up and decorating an aquarium is almost meditative, and fish make great housemates.
Where the two-legged roommate might drive you insane when he constantly walks around the living room, the fish will offer exactly the opposite with their calm and steady movement.
Fish with a long dorsal fin in particular look incredibly mesmerizing and calming as they move through the water. If you need a break from the stressful and hectic everyday life, this is the perfect moment to sit in front of your aquarium and observe.
Let your thoughts go and just look at how relaxed and comfortable other creatures move through their lives!
Another reason to buy an aquarium is undoubtedly the learning effect! If you have children or would like to educate yourself, the various plants and animals are the ideal teacher. In this way you can give yourself or the children new knowledge about biology and nature that can be observed in everyday life.
Attention: Fish may be mute, but they're living beings too! So if you or your children get an aquarium, everyone involved must be aware that the animals require attention and care.
Which aquarium suits you?
One of the first things to consider when buying an aquarium is the material it is made of. Most aquariums are made of glass or plastic, with both having advantages and disadvantages.
Glass is a classic and elegant material that offers high light transmission and good scratch resistance. In addition, it is chemically stable, which means it does not react with the water or the fish. As a result, with good care, an aquarium made of glass is almost made to last forever.
The disadvantage of glass is that it is heavier and more expensive than plastic and can break if dropped or hit. Plastic is a modern and practical material that offers high resistance to breakage and low thermal conductivity.
In addition, it is lighter and cheaper than glass and is easier to form and shape. The disadvantage of plastic is that it is not as translucent and more prone to scratches and warping than glass and can yellow or scratch over time.
In addition, cleaning plastic is not quite as simple and quick due to the often somewhat porous surface. But even this is a matter of a few minutes if you clean your aquarium regularly and use a sensible filter.
Buy an aquarium - get the complete set
Another aspect to consider when buying an aquarium is the equipment you will need. In most cases, an aquarium consists not only of the tank itself, but also of various accessories necessary for the functioning and maintenance of the aquarium. Depending on which residents move in, you should expand this list and seek advice from a specialist.
- The filter: It ensures clean water by removing dirt particles, uneaten food and fish waste products from the water. There are different types of filters, such as internal filters, external filters or hanging filters, which differ in their performance and space requirements.
These filters can definitely produce heat, which is why you can think about whether and which animals should move in once the aquarium is set up. - The heater: It keeps the water at a constant temperature, which varies depending on the fish species. Most heaters are infinitely adjustable and have a thermostat that displays the temperature. You can usually do without this if you don't have any fish in the aquarium, just plants and wood or stone.
- The lighting: It simulates the day-night rhythm for the fish and promotes the growth of the plants. There are different types of lighting, such as LED lamps, fluorescent tubes or halogen lamps, which differ in their brightness and power consumption. Here, too, it is very important which inhabitants you plan for your water paradise.
- The plants: They serve as oxygen suppliers and hiding places for the fish. There are different types of plants, such as floating plants, ground cover or stem plants, which differ in their need for light and nutrients. You can't just buy any plant, but you should make sure that they are also safe for the animals.
- The decoration: It gives the aquarium a very individual look and offers the fish additional hiding places. There are different types of decoration, such as stones, roots or plastic objects.
You can buy caves, pirate ships, or very cute cartoon furniture for your aquarium. Pineapple figures, in which one would almost expect to find a yellow sponge, are also very popular and available in almost every pet shop.
Tip: Some fish are particularly fond of certain plants - in special cases you can even see them scurrying playfully through the green! It's really great to watch.
Buying an aquarium can be associated with high one-off costs - but it doesn't have to be!
There are several ways a beginner can get a great aquarium on a budget without sacrificing necessities! Here are some that work particularly well:
Number 1: Buy the complete set aquarium
Often referred to as a starter set, the complete set is a great opportunity for a successful start in life as an aquarium owner.
These sets usually contain all the important elements that the average aquarist needs. Filter, lamp, lid, pump and thermometer are included in most sets. You can then, for example, replace them with other models over time.
Since you certainly don't know at the beginning what your fish or you really want or need in the end, such a system is a good idea. If you would get all the elements individually, the individual quality of the accessories is higher, but bad purchases are almost unavoidable. Therefore, you would end up paying more money and searching longer and racking your brains.
Number 2: Buy a used aquarium
Second-hand is not only a popular trend in fashion. When choosing your first aquarium, you can also look around for aquariums in your area via marketplaces or advertising portals. You often have a large selection of sizes, shapes and glass thicknesses from which you can choose your aquarium for less money.
Note: If you buy a used aquarium, a deep cleaning is absolutely mandatory. If fish previously lived in it or died, you must ensure that any parasites or pathogens have been eradicated. If you don't do this, your fish can become ill - even if none of the animals in the old owner's aquarium actually died!
Other things that you should pay particular attention to when buying a used aquarium are the following:
- Check the aquarium for cracks, scratches, or leaks. If the aquarium is damaged, you should not buy it as it may result in water damage or a risk of injury to you and your fish.
- Check the equipment for functionality and cleanliness. If the equipment is broken or dirty, you should not buy or replace it as it can lead to poor water quality or a power outage.
- Check the origin and condition of the fish. If the fish come from a sick or neglected tank, you should not buy or quarantine them as they can infect your other fish or die.
- Check the price and the guarantee. If the price is too low or too high, you should be suspicious as it may be a scam or a trap. You should also make sure that you get an invoice and a guarantee in case something goes wrong.
In the area of private sales, the guarantee is always a sensitive issue, but commercial sellers are also on such marketplaces or advertising portals. So there's no harm in asking.
Could we help you buy your perfect aquarium?
So you see, there is no "one size fits all" when buying aquariums. Think extensively about the stocking, the footprint, your willingness to care. Once you have decided that, you can get started and look at and compare the various aquariums in pet shops, specialist shops or in your region.